After analyzing pricing, services, and consumer ratings, we picked Eliteone Transportation as the best Illinois trucking company for commerce shipments.
Top Shipping Services & Transport in Illinois
Why Trust FreightWaves Ratings?
There’s a reason we’re one of the world’s leading authorities on the global freight market. Our expert team has an in-depth understanding of the industry and is up-to-date on employment trends, regulations, and other insights into the trucking workforce.
We conduct thorough research and data analysis to develop our recommendations for the best trucking companies in Illinois. Every Illinois trucking firm is closely scrutinized based on its service range and capabilities. Our team also verifies companies’ safety records and regulatory compliance and looks at what real users have to say about their experience.
From there, we narrow our focus to select only those top-performing and highest-rated firms to give you an informed and up-to-date list of the best trucking companies in Illinois for your commercial shipping needs.
Eliteone Transportation
2360 Hassell Rd, Hoffman Estates, IL, 60169- Fleet size: 1 to 10
- Fleet age: 3 years
- Insurance: $750,000
Cargo Types
- Beverages
- Building materials
- Construction equipment
- Produce
- Trash
- General
- Intermodal containers
- Lumber
- Machinery & large objects
- Meat
- Metal materials
- Vehicles
- Refrigerated food
- Paper products
Truck Types
- Dry van
- Reefer
- Flatbed
- Last-mile delivery
Eliteone Transportation (DOT: 2553529) is an active and versatile trucking carrier based in Illinois, boasting a fleet size of 110 trucks and 220 trailers. They offer comprehensive transportation solutions, including full truckload, less-than-truckload, and dry van services. Their repertoire of cargo spans beverages, building materials, fresh produce, refrigerated foods, and machinery, making them well-suited for various shipping needs.
Eliteone Transportation stands out with their dedicated team drivers, regional and local driving options, and strong commitment to safety, underscored by their dedicated routes. They prioritize employee wellbeing with benefits like health, dental, and vision insurances, alongside paid time off and 401(k) plans. Business owners will appreciate their robust cargo capabilities and team-oriented services, ensuring reliable and efficient commercial shipments throughout the interstate network.
Safety
- Crashes: 11
- Unsafe driving: 2.45
- Driver fitness: 0.0
- Hours-of-service compliance: 0.32
- Vehicle maintenance: 4.56
- Controlled substances: 0.04
- Hazardous materials violations: 0
More Info
- Routes: interstate
- Drivers: 110
- Revenue: $503,000
- Miles driven: 5,842,620
Transport One
1800 Centerpoint Way, Joliet, IL, 60436- Fleet size: 1 to 10
- Fleet age: 3 years
- Insurance: $750,000
Cargo Types
- General
- Intermodal containers
- Metal materials
- Refrigerated food
Truck Types
- Dry van
- Reefer
- Flatbed
- Box truck
- Last-mile delivery
Transport One (DOT: 1389156) is a prominent trucking company based in Illinois, known for carrying general freight, intermodal containers, metal sheets, coils, rolls, and refrigerated food. Operating with a modern fleet of 61 trucks, Transport One offers a range of services including full truckload, partial truckload, and less-than-truckload shipping options to cater to diverse transportation needs.
Transport One excels in providing reliable service with flexible scheduling and dedicated routes, ensuring timely deliveries for commercial clients. The company supports its operations with amenities such as driver referral bonuses, guaranteed home time, and ongoing training programs. With a strong emphasis on safety and efficiency, Transport One is well-equipped to handle the logistics of moving products, ensuring customer satisfaction with each shipment.
Safety
- Crashes: 4
- Unsafe driving: 0.97
- Driver fitness: 0.0
- Hours-of-service compliance: 0.59
- Vehicle maintenance: 6.21
- Controlled substances: 0.0
- Hazardous materials violations: 0
More Info
- Routes: interstate
- Drivers: 62
- Revenue: $529,000
- Miles driven: 5,350,000
Atlantic Transport, Inc.
750 Davis Rd, Elgin, IL, 60123- Fleet size: 1 to 10
- Fleet age: 5 years
- Insurance: $1,000,000
- Safety rating: Satisfactory
Cargo Types
- Beverages
- Produce
- General
- Meat
- Metal materials
- Refrigerated food
- Paper products
Truck Types
- Dry van
- Reefer
- Flatbed
- Box truck
- Last-mile delivery
Atlantic Transport, Inc. (DOT: 1603381) is a reliable trucking company based in Illinois, specializing in the transportation of various types of cargo, including beverages, fresh produce, meat, metal sheets, coils, rolls, paper products, and refrigerated foods. They operate a lean fleet of 30 trucks and are known for offering flexible partial and full truckload services, as well as parcel delivery. Their focus on refrigerated shipments highlights their expertise in handling temperature-sensitive goods.
Atlantic Transport, Inc. supports commercial shipments with a commendable range of benefits for their drivers, including health, dental, and vision insurance, a retirement plan, paid time off, and guaranteed home time. Despite having reported a few crash incidents, they maintain a “Satisfactory” safety rating, reinforcing their commitment to safe driving practices. Their strategic operations favor regional and OTR drivers, making them a suitable choice for business owners seeking steady and specialized freight services.
Safety
- Crashes: 3
- Unsafe driving: 3.52
- Driver fitness: 0.05
- Hours-of-service compliance: 1.43
- Vehicle maintenance: 3.78
- Controlled substances: 0.05
- Hazardous materials violations: 0
More Info
- Routes: interstate
- Drivers: 27
- Revenue: $910,000
- Miles driven: 2,810,272
Dolche Truckload Corp
473 W Northwest Hwy Suite 2e, Palatine, IL, 60067- Fleet size: 11 to 25
- Fleet age: 2 years
- Insurance: $1,000,000
Cargo Types
- Beverages
- Chemicals
- Produce
- General
- Liquids & gases
- Meat
- Refrigerated food
- Paper products
Truck Types
- Dry van
- Reefer
- Flatbed
Dolche Truckload Corp (DOT: 2082074) is a reputable trucking company operating in Illinois, specializing in full truckload and less-than-truckload freight. They offer a comprehensive range of services including reefer and dry van transportation, making them well-equipped to handle general freight, refrigerated foods, fresh produce, and more. Their fleet, consisting of 57 trucks and 60 drivers, efficiently manages an impressive range of cargo including beverages, chemicals, and paper products.
Dolche Truckload Corp emphasizes excellent service with regional drivers and dedicated routes. The company also prioritizes driver benefits, offering health, dental, and vision insurance alongside paid time off. Their safety record shows moderate scores, underlining a commitment to safety and reliability. With a location sales volume of approximately $1,278,000 and a fleet featuring an average age of two years, they stand out for their operational efficiency and dedication to customer satisfaction in commercial shipments.
Safety
- Crashes: 5
- Unsafe driving: 3.59
- Driver fitness: 0.07
- Hours-of-service compliance: 0.39
- Vehicle maintenance: 6.07
- Controlled substances: 0.06
- Hazardous materials violations: 11
More Info
- Routes: interstate
- Drivers: 60
- Revenue: $1,278,000
- Miles driven: 4,005,473
IKO Express, Inc.
200 Howard Ave Suite 244, Des Plaines, IL, 60018- Fleet age: 2 years
- Insurance: $750,000
Cargo Types
- Building materials
- Construction equipment
- Dry bulk commodities
- Farm supplies
- Produce
- General
- Intermodal containers
- Lumber
- Machinery & large objects
- Metal materials
- Vehicles
- Oilfield equipment
- Paper products
Truck Types
- Dry van
- Reefer
- Flatbed
- Box truck
- Last-mile delivery
IKO Express, Inc. (DOT: 2120480) is a reputable trucking company specializing in a wide range of freight transportation, including agricultural supplies, building materials, fresh produce, and large machinery. Based in Illinois, the company maintains a fleet of 17 trucks, designed to cater to both full and partial truckload needs. Their commitment to quality service is reflected in their handling of general freight and their capability to transport intermodal containers, dry vans, and flatbed loads.
IKO Express supports commercial shipments by offering regional driving services and a strong emphasis on health and vehicle maintenance, with a vehicle maintenance score of 5.18. Though they do not transport hazardous materials, they accommodate the transportation of motor vehicles, paper products, and oilfield equipment. With an emphasis on safety, the company boasts a commendable record with no reported crash injuries or fatalities, making it a reliable choice for business owners seeking trustworthy shipping partners.
Safety
- Crashes: 0
- Unsafe driving: 2.87
- Driver fitness: 0.0
- Hours-of-service compliance: 0.29
- Vehicle maintenance: 5.18
- Controlled substances: 0.0
- Hazardous materials violations: 0
More Info
- Routes: interstate
- Drivers: 18
- Miles driven: 1,967,728
Echo Logistics, Inc.
6262 W Peterson Ave Apt 1, Chicago, IL, 60646- Fleet age: 3 years
- Insurance: $750,000
Cargo Types
- Beverages
- Building materials
- Produce
- General
- Meat
- Refrigerated food
- Paper products
Truck Types
- Dry van
- Reefer
- Flatbed
- Last-mile delivery
Echo Logistics, Inc. (DOT: 1967551) is a reputable Illinois-based freight trucking company offering a wide array of cargo services. They specialize in transporting beverages, fresh produce, refrigerated food, meat, paper products, and building materials. The company operates with a fleet of 16 trucks and emphasizes flexibility with full truckload (FTL), partial truckload (PTL), less than truckload (LTL), and dry van services.
Echo Logistics, Inc. provides several commercial shipment support services, including guaranteed home time for drivers, health and life insurance, and retirement plans. They maintain an average fleet age of three years and operate DOT-certified operations with zero reported crash injuries or fatalities, reflecting their commitment to safety and reliability. The company also offers ongoing training and development programs, ensuring their team remains skilled and ready for any logistical challenges.
Safety
- Crashes: 0
- Unsafe driving: 6.57
- Driver fitness: 0.0
- Hours-of-service compliance: 0.48
- Vehicle maintenance: 2.53
- Controlled substances: 0.0
- Hazardous materials violations: 0
More Info
- Routes: interstate
- Drivers: 17
- Revenue: $618,000
- Miles driven: 957,360
Marina Cartage Inc – Mat Leasing Inc – Marina Waste Transfer, Inc.
4450 S Morgan Street, Chicago, IL, 60609- Fleet age: 5 years
- Insurance: $1,000,000
- Safety rating: Satisfactory
Cargo Types
- General
- Intermodal containers
Truck Types
- Dry van
- Flatbed
- Last-mile delivery
- Drayage
Marina Cartage Inc – Mat Leasing Inc – Marina Waste Transfer, Inc. (DOT: 207232) is an established carrier in the Illinois trucking industry, with operations dating back to 1959. The company specializes in general freight transportation, offering services such as full and less-than-truckload (LTL) shipping. With a total fleet size of 116 units and a satisfactory safety rating, they focus on ensuring the safe transport of intermodal containers and other cargo.
The company provides enhanced support for commercial shipments by offering dry van and flatbed services, and it actively services interstate routes. Although primarily a full truckload operator, Marina Cartage also supports last-mile delivery solutions. They emphasize employee benefits, offering health, dental, vision, and disability insurance, reflecting a commitment to workforce well-being.
Safety
- Crashes: 4
- Unsafe driving: 2.39
- Driver fitness: 0.0
- Hours-of-service compliance: 0.13
- Vehicle maintenance: 9.94
- Controlled substances: 0.0
- Hazardous materials violations: 0
More Info
- Routes: interstate
- Drivers: 51
- Revenue: $37,573,000
- Miles driven: 5,040,101
SNP Express, Inc.
3205 North Wilke Rd Ste 126, Arlington Heights, IL, 60004- Fleet age: 3 years
- Insurance: $1,000,000
Cargo Types
- Construction equipment
- General
- Lumber
- Machinery & large objects
- Metal materials
Truck Types
- Dry van
- Flatbed
- Last-mile delivery
SNP Express, Inc. (DOT: 2542243) is a dynamic freight carrier operating since 2019 in Illinois. With a fleet of 45 trucks and a diverse selection of 90 trailers, they specialize in dry van and flatbed services. The company is adept at hauling various cargo types, including construction materials, general freight, logs, poles, beams, lumber, machinery, and metal sheets, coils, and rolls.
SNP Express offers partial and full truckload services, making them flexible for varying shipment sizes. They are committed to quality, reflected by a 4.5-star rating on Google. Safety is prioritized despite some crash incidents, as shown through moderate unsafe driving and vehicle maintenance scores. The company provides attractive employee benefits such as health, dental, and vision insurance, as well as paid time off and safety bonuses. They do not employ brokers, ensuring direct engagement with clients for optimum reliability in interstate operations.
Safety
- Crashes: 5
- Unsafe driving: 1.88
- Driver fitness: 0.13
- Hours-of-service compliance: 0.49
- Vehicle maintenance: 4.11
- Controlled substances: 0.0
- Hazardous materials violations: 0
More Info
- Routes: interstate
- Drivers: 45
- Miles driven: 5,224,403
Barr Freight System, Inc.
505 W Crossroads Parkway Suite B, Bolingbrook, IL, 60440- Fleet size: 50+
- Fleet age: 5 years
- Insurance: $750,000
- Safety rating: Satisfactory
Cargo Types
- General
- Intermodal containers
Truck Types
- Dry van
- Reefer
- Flatbed
- Box truck
- Last-mile delivery
Barr Freight System, Inc. (DOT: 183883) is a dynamic trucking service provider operating out of Illinois since 2007. With a fleet size of 50+ vehicles, they specialize in full and partial truckloads, efficiently managing general freight and intermodal containers. Their focus on dry van services and flatbed hauling allows them to handle a variety of cargo types, supporting businesses that need reliable transportation solutions.
Despite being a mid-sized operation, Barr Freight System places a premium on safety and driver welfare, holding a satisfactory safety rating with no reported crashes. The company fosters a supportive environment by offering benefits like health, dental, vision, and disability insurance, as well as paid time off and a 401(k) retirement plan. They operate with transparency and commitment, highlighted by their competitive salary range and emphasis on maintaining modern fleet vehicles, averaging 5 years in age.
Safety
- Crashes: 0
- Unsafe driving: 0.0
- Driver fitness: 0.0
- Hours-of-service compliance: 0.0
- Vehicle maintenance: 0.0
- Controlled substances: 0.0
- Hazardous materials violations: 0
More Info
- Routes: interstate
- Drivers: 8
- Revenue: $8,000,000
- Miles driven: 260,461
WIN Driven Trucking
7401 Old River Rd, Rockford, IL, 61103- Fleet age: 3 years
- Insurance: $1,000,000
Cargo Types
- Building materials
- Construction equipment
- Dry bulk commodities
- Farm supplies
- Produce
- General
- Livestock feed
- Meat
- Refrigerated food
- Paper products
Truck Types
- Dry van
- Flatbed
WIN Driven Trucking (DOT: 949989) is a versatile carrier based in Illinois, managing interstate operations with a strong emphasis on reliable transportation services. The company maintains a fleet of flatbed, dry van, and full truckload services, efficiently handling a wide array of cargo, including fresh produce, building materials, grain feed hay, and paper products. Their operations are underpinned by a commitment to safety and ongoing training development programs, ensuring the highest standards for their clients.
In addition to general freight transportation, WIN Driven Trucking offers team driving opportunities that enhance service efficiency, particularly for perishable and time-sensitive goods. While they have an active authority and manage a small but agile fleet, the company focuses on providing competitive benefits for its workforce, including health, dental, and vision insurance. This emphasis on employee welfare contributes to their reputation as a trusted partner for business owners seeking reliable shipping solutions for commercial shipments.
Safety
- Crashes: 0
- Unsafe driving: 0.0
- Driver fitness: 0.0
- Hours-of-service compliance: 0.0
- Vehicle maintenance: 0.0
- Controlled substances: 0.0
- Hazardous materials violations: 0
More Info
- Routes: interstate
- Drivers: 1
- Miles driven: 72,208
How Safety Ratings Work in Illinois
The Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration’s (FMCSA’s) Compliance, Safety & Accountability (CSA) program evaluates trucking companies using BASICS (Behavior Analysis and Safety Improvement Categories)
Here’s a look at what each of the BASICS cover:
- Crashes: Trucking companies are required to report any accidents that result in injury or death. The FMSCA uses these state-reported crashes to determine any patterns of crash involvement and potential behaviors contributing to that pattern.
- Unsafe driving: This CSA category covers behaviors like texting and speeding that can lead to accidents
- Driver fitness: The FMCSA requires trucking companies to keep up-to-date records on their drivers. That includes identification and paperwork like CDLs, annual driving reviews, and any relevant medical certifications or documentation. Violations of this category will result in lower overall safety scores.
- Hours-of-service compliance: The FMCSA cites truckers and trucking companies that do not follow or enforce hours-of-service regulations that limit how much time a large commercial vehicle operator can be on the road without rest.
- Vehicle maintenance: Truckers are responsible for completing inspections before hitting the road on a route. They must also log any issues and have repairs to those identified problems completed before operating the truck.
- Controlled substances: As with all vehicle operators, truckers must be sober behind the wheel. This category accounts for violations issued to a trucking company’s driver(s) for being under the influence of or in possession of alcohol and street drugs or prescriptionor over-the-counter medicines that could impair judgement.
- Hazardous materials violations: Trucking companies and their drivers must exhibit proper loading and handling of hazardous materials, including labeling these items correctly, ensuring packaging meets regulations, and follows all restrictions and rules for the vehicle type.
Companies scoring a zero for any or all of the above categories did not receive any citations or other violations within a given month. Essentially, any trucking company that has multiple zeroes in these categories can likely be considered a safe freight shipper in compliance with all FMCSA standards and regulatory requirement.
Choosing the Right Illinois Trucking Company for Your Shipments
Whether you operate an e-commerce platform, local business, or regional chain in Illinois, there are a few key factors to consider when looking for the best trucking company:
- Shipment volume and frequency: The total dimensional weight of your shipment can impact the company you choose, since some companies have minimum project size requirements. If your shipping order is on the smaller size, look for a company without any size restrictions that also offers a variety of options, including LTL and partial truckload shipping. Similarly, you’ll want to look for companies that will fit your anticipated ongoing volume. You may also want to consider companies that provide some surge capacity to accommodate unexpected growth.
- Shipping destinations: If possible, try to determine how often you’ll need shipping for what distances. Knowing where in the U.S. you ship to most frequently — or if you need nationwide shipping — will help you select a carrier that provides the regions and haul distances you need.
- Services: Consider looking for a trucking company in Illinois with specialized support for businesses — like logistics and supply chain management and warehousing and distribution — as well as online shipment tracking or other helpful technological tools and resources.
- Safety: While we verify that each trucking company we recommend has a DOT number and follows Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration (FMCSA) safety standards, you may want to further consider the average fleet age and years of driver experience, ongoing training programs, and other steps a company takes to ensure your shipment will be delivered efficiently and without incident.
FAQs
Which is the most frequently used mode of transportation for distributing products in Illinois?
Trucking, in general, is the most frequently used mode of transportation for distributing products in Illinois. In fact, nationwide, trucks transport more goods domestically than all other modes of commercial transportation combined. One reason for the popularity is affordability — road transport is typically the most cost-efficient shipping method. And a variety of vehicle options — like flatbeds, dry vans, and refrigerated trucks — makes it easier to move a variety of products.
What products are best transported by truck in Illinois?
The products that are best transported by truck in the U.S. include commodities like:
- Building materials
- Food and beverages
- Furniture
- Clothing
- Electronics
What is the disadvantage of transporting goods by truck in Illinois?
While trucking is the most widely used commercial shipping method in Illinois and nationally, there are some minor disadvantages to consider, including weight and size restrictions and delays caused by inclement weather or traffic. Using a truck for your commercial shipments can also be expensive for longer-distance deliveries. And trucks require loading, unloading, and reloading of goods, which can add more time to and logistical management of your shipment.
Other Types of Transport Options for Your Shipments
Depending on the types of products your business retails or manufactures, you may have several shipping options to choose from.
- Hopper Bottom Shipping Services
- Beverage Shipping Services
- Box Truck Shipping Services
- Drayage Shipping Services
- Dry Bulk Shipping Services
- Dry Van Shipping Services
- Flatbed Shipping Services
- Hot Shot Shipping Services
- Intermodal Shipping Services
- LTL Shipping Services
- Parcel Delivery Shipping Services
- Pneumatic Shipping Services
- Power-Only Shipping Services
- Reefer Shipping Services
- Tanker Shipping Services
